To His Excellincy

B Magoffin
Dear sir

Mr A H Talbott was fined at the last June term, of the Henderson Circuit fifty dollars, for selling whiskey toa slave. The proof in the case was in substance as follows Mr Talbott is a dealer in groceries of all discriptions, There was considerable excitement inthe county at the time from apprehension of negro insurrection, in consequence of which there was a strong night police, a little after day light two negro^s were discovered standing not far from Mr Talbotts front door by the deputy marshall. Mr Talbotts house is on a corner, and the negroes broke as soon as they saw the deputy Marshall, one of them passing throught Talbotts house and leaving at the back door, The Marshall pursued caught the negro & found upon ^one^ a bottle of whisky, There [...]are ^on^ the square with Talbott several other grocery establishments all dealing in whisky —.

Mr Talbott is a highly respected

citizen and as far from violations of law as any in our community

For his standing and character we refer you to Grant Green &Judge Young — I do not believe he was guilty, but upon the proof he was so found, but as I believe because of an universal feeling in this community against the offense, It is but due to candour that I should say to you I was of counsel for Mr T. but I am ^not^ influenced in the least by that fact in thus writing to you

I honestly believe he was innocent & therefore ask a remmission

Yours truly
Jno W Crockett

I ask your Excellency to regard & treat the above letter as my petition to have the fine referred to remitted, assuring your Excellency of my innocence

A, H, Talbott

Henderson Cir. Ct
$50 } liquor to a Slave
A. H. Talbott
Iss^dOcto 10. 1861

Refer to Judge Young

Remitted
B, M